The Best Parenting Advice

On Directing Playtime

“Let your kids get bored—it’s the essential ingredient of childhood. A kid won’t begin to use his imagination until he has to dig deep and create something from nothing.” —Melissa Bernstein, cofounder of Melissa & Doug toys

“A box of bandages can keep toddlers occupied on a plane. Stick them on seats, armrests, even Mom’s nose. You can also use them to teach preschoolers letter shapes (‘That’s a T’).” —Kara Williams, cofounder ofTheVacationGals.com, a family travel blog